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[Junichi Inagaki’s Masterpieces] A comprehensive showcase from classic Christmas tunes to popular city pop hits
Junichi Inagaki, who began his band activities during his university years and made his debut in 1982, has produced numerous classic songs as a leading artist in the city pop and AOR scenes.
With a gentle, embracing voice and delicate musicality, he beautifully captures the joy and heartache of love, continuing to captivate many listeners.
In this article, we’ll introduce a range of songs that showcase Inagaki’s charm—from that quintessential track that plays every Christmas season to treasured gems passed down among city pop fans from his albums.
If you’ve only recently become interested in Inagaki, be sure to check these out!
[Junichi Inagaki’s Masterpieces] A comprehensive introduction from classic Christmas tunes to popular city pop hits (1–10)
Dramatic RainInagaki Junichi
Set against the backdrop of a city nightscape, this classic song poignantly portrays a bittersweet love.
The lyrics, where rain-soaked streets and a racing heartbeat overlap beautifully, leave a strong impression.
Junichi Inagaki’s clear, crystalline vocals perfectly capture the exhilaration of falling in love.
Released in October 1982 and used in a Yokohama Rubber tire commercial, this track’s simple yet powerful arrangement won over many listeners.
Why not spend a romantic moment with someone special by listening to this perfect song for a nighttime drive date or a rainy-day outing?
Long VersionInagaki Junichi
Written by lyricist Reiko Yukawa and composed by Yasuhiro Abe, this work is Junichi Inagaki’s sixth single, released on November 1, 1983.
Thanks to the song’s success, Inagaki cemented his status as one of Japan’s leading AOR singers.
It also drew attention for being featured in a Yokohama Rubber “ASPEC” commercial.
Summer HornsInagaki Junichi
With lyrics by Masao Urino and music by Kyohei Tsutsumi, this work was released as the 5th single on July 21, 1983.
It gained attention when it was featured in a commercial for Fuji Photo Film’s Cassette GT-1.
The song expresses the earnest feelings of a man whose summer romance has ended and who longs to see her once more.
It is one of Junichi Inagaki’s most popular songs.
P.S. I want to hold you.Inagaki Junichi
This is a masterpiece whose gentle melody and heartrending lyrics resonate deeply.
It beautifully expresses the sorrow of mourning a lost love and the feelings for days gone by.
Released in 1986 and included in many best-of albums, this work is further elevated by Junichi Inagaki’s clear, transparent vocals.
Recommended for those bearing the pain of heartbreak or wishing to reflect on memories with someone dear.
Why not listen quietly by the window and gently warm those precious memories you hold in your heart?
Ocean BlueInagaki Junichi
It’s the 7th single, released on April 28, 1984.
It’s also known as a song that Yumi Matsutoya self-covered on her 2003 album “Yuming Compositions: FACES.” Many listeners may find the lyrics—expressing a man’s feelings as he cherishes a love that has just begun—highly relatable.
By the time of the Christmas carolsInagaki Junichi
This song is marked by a beautiful melody that colors the winter season and lyrics that resonate deeply.
Set against a backdrop of Christmas carols, it portrays love’s missed connections and inner turmoil.
Released in October 1992, it became Junichi Inagaki’s first major hit in ten years.
Widely featured in the media—as a commercial jingle and a TV drama theme—it drew much attention.
Its appeal also lies in Inagaki’s clear, soaring high notes and the sight of him singing while playing the drums.
It’s a recommended track for those struggling with important relationships or anyone looking for a heartwarming song during the Christmas season.
An afternoon when I want to see youInagaki Junichi
Although it was a B-side released in May 1989 in the 8 cm CD format, this track was chosen as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s variety show “Naruhodo! The World.” Written by Yasushi Akimoto, composed by MAYUMI, and arranged by Hiroshi Sakamoto, the song also appears on the album “HEART & SOUL.” As the title suggests, it portrays an afternoon filled with growing feelings for someone you long to see.
Junichi Inagaki’s enveloping vocals blend with a mellow sonic palette, delivering a refined city-pop sound.
Despite peaking at No.
29 on the Oricon charts, the tie-in brought the song to many listeners.
It’s the perfect number for those bittersweet afternoons when, in an unguarded moment, you find yourself thinking of someone dear.
Every time I remember it, I love it even more.Inagaki Jun’ichi & Karashima Midori
This is an original duet single released in February 2011, featuring a collaboration between Junichi Inagaki and Midori Karashima.
Written specifically for them by Yasushi Akimoto and Makoto Mitsui, the song delicately expresses the feeling of growing tenderness that deepens over time when looking back on past loves and memories.
With Yuji Toriyama’s calm arrangement and the two singers’ gently enveloping vocals, it brings both nostalgia and a touch of bittersweetness.
In addition to being used as the theme song for the TBS information program “Hiruobi!,” the promotional video features Chikako Kaku, adding a trendy-drama style that enriches the song’s world.
It’s a perfect track for those who cherish old memories or want to quietly savor a mature love song.
I couldn’t bring myself to say it.Inagaki Junichi
A mellow ballad where Yasushi Akimoto’s lyrics and Tetsuji Hayashi’s beautiful melody blend exquisitely, gently enveloping feelings that are hard to put into words.
While showing compassion for a wounded loved one, the song captures the aching wavering of a heart that can’t reveal its true feelings, delicately expressed through Inagaki’s tender, embracing vocals.
Included on the third album “J.I.,” released in September 1983, this track shines with Akira Inoue’s nuanced arrangement.
The soundscape, calm yet meticulously tracing the flow of emotion, is a quintessential embodiment of mature AOR.
It has long been cherished among city pop fans as a classic that keeps you company on quiet nights alone or when you’re carrying words left unsaid.
246:3AMInagaki Junichi
Released as a single alongside the debut album in July 1982, this song stands out with its distinctive title that blends National Route 246 and 3 a.m.
The lyrics were written by Reiko Yukawa, the music composed by Kazuhiko Matsuo, and the arrangement handled by Akira Inoue, making it a defining track of Junichi Inagaki’s early AOR sound.
The album features accomplished musicians such as Tsuyoshi Kon and Tatsuo Hayashi, contributing to its sophisticated production.
Its bittersweet melody and restrained vocals harmonize beautifully, capturing the poignancy of the city at night.
Highly recommended for city pop enthusiasts and anyone seeking the roots of early-’80s Japanese-language AOR.